My Essential Equipment Guide for Beginner Family Photographers

As someone who started their journey in family photography without any idea of what were the Best Cameras for Beginner Family Photographers. I got it all wrong. I started with cropped Canon DSLRs and a trusty ‘nifty 50mm’ lens, I quickly learned the limitations of my gear. Looking back, I wish I had invested in a full frame camera and a versatile 35mm lens right from the start.

Don’t get me wrong, the nifty fifty is a great lens to learn on, but if you seriously want to make this a viable business investing in a decent 35mm, or 24-70mm lens is going to give you the creative freedom over that of an entry level lens.

Starting out as a family photographer doesn’t require a vast array of equipment, but I highly recommend considering a full frame mirrorless digital camera and a decent lens you wont outgrow quickly.

It doesn’t have to be brand new; a well-maintained second-hand camera and lenses from the past 2-4 years can be a better investment than purchasing a new cropped sensor camera and it’s box lens like a 18-55mm 3.5F. This wont get you very far. Instead I have listed below some of the Best Cameras for Beginner Family Photographers, as well as some other information you might find helpful.

What are the different type of lenses available to a beginner photographer?

For beginner family photographers, understanding the different types of lenses and their uses can greatly enhance their photography skills.

Prime lenses, such as the 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm, have fixed focal lengths, meaning they cannot zoom in or out. These lenses are prized for their sharpness, wide apertures, and ability to produce stunning bokeh, making them ideal for capturing portraits, individual or group shots, and low-light conditions.

• The 35mm lens offers a versatile field of view, suitable for capturing environmental portraits and storytelling shots.

• The 50mm lens is a classic choice for portraits and everyday photography, providing a natural perspective similar to the human eye.

• The 85mm lens excels at producing beautiful background blur and flattering compression, making it perfect for close-up portraits and capturing intimate moments.

On the other hand, zoom lenses like the 24-70mm offer variable focal lengths, allowing photographers to zoom in and out to frame their shots. While zoom lenses provide versatility and convenience, many photographers prefer prime lenses for their superior image quality, wider apertures, and creative potential.

Prime lenses often produce sharper images and better bokeh than zoom lenses, making them the preferred choice for capturing stunning portraits and memorable family moments. Additionally, prime lenses encourage photographers to think creatively and move around to find the best composition, resulting in more dynamic and impactful photos. I believe these are the Best Lenses for Beginner Family Photographers.

Ultimately, whether to choose prime or zoom lenses depends on your individual preferences and shooting style, but prime lenses are widely favored by professionals for their exceptional optical performance and artistic capabilities.

If you aren’t sure what len is for you as a beginner photographer, it is a good idea to rent a few lenses to try them out before committing.

What are the different type of cameras available to a beginner photographer?

Understanding what are the Best Cameras for Beginner Family Photographers can be tricky, it’s minefield out there. I wanted to break it down simply for you. There are two main type of DSLR cameras on the market. Full Frame Sensors and Crop Sensors. Understanding camera sensors is crucial. The sensor is essentially the heart of your digital camera, converting light into electrical signals to create images.

Crop sensor cameras and full frame cameras differ primarily in the size of their image sensors. Crop sensor cameras have a smaller sensor, which results in a narrower field of view ( and less subject in your frame) compared to full frame cameras. Full frame cameras, on the other hand, have a sensor that is equivalent in size to a 35mm film frame, offering a wider field of view and superior image quality.

Full frame sensors are considered the gold standard in the professional photography industry for several reasons:

• Superior image quality, especially in low light conditions
• Reduced noise levels, resulting in sharper and clearer images
• Wider dynamic range for capturing details in both shadows and highlights
• Shallower depth of field, perfect for achieving that coveted blurred background effect
• Larger field of view compared to crop sensor cameras, allowing you to capture more of the scene in front of you

Overall, the larger sensor size and superior performance make full frame cameras the best option for photographers seeking top-notch image quality and versatility in their work

In real-life scenarios, the difference becomes more evident when shooting in tight spaces like bedrooms. A full frame camera provides greater flexibility and adaptability, allowing me to capture more of the scene without having to stand further away from my subjects.

Full Frame Cameras for Beginner Photographers

Three full frame cameras available for under £1000 second hand are:

Canon EOS 6D II: Canon’s entry-level full frame DSLR, the EOS 6D II, its 26.2-megapixel sensor captures images packed with detail and dynamic range, for images that exude life-like depth and clarity. It boasts impressive low-light performance, and excellent image quality. It features built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, making it a versatile option for both photography enthusiasts and professionals.

Nikon Z7 – The Nikon Z7 is a remarkable full frame mirrorless camera that offers an excellent entry point for beginner photographers looking to step up their game. With its 45.7-megapixel sensor, the Z7 delivers stunning image quality, capturing intricate details and vibrant colors with remarkable clarity. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to handle, perfect for photographers on the go. The Z7 boasts a fast and accurate autofocus system, ensuring sharp focus even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, its in-body image stabilization helps reduce camera shake, allowing for sharper handheld shots. With 4K video recording capabilities and a tilting touchscreen display, the Nikon Z7 offers versatility for both photography and videography needs. Overall, the Z7 is an impressive camera that provides beginners with the tools they need to explore their creativity and capture breathtaking images.

Sony Alpha A7 III: The Sony Alpha A7 III is a mirrorless full frame camera known for its compact size, in-body image stabilization, and impressive autofocus capabilities. With a 24.3-megapixel sensor and advanced features like 5-axis stabilization and 4K video recording, it offers excellent value for money in the second-hand market.

Memory Cards for Beginner Photographers : The Need for Speed and Reliability

When it comes to memory cards, It’s important to prioritize speed and reliability. Opting for high-quality, fast cards like the SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB SDXC Memory Card ensures smooth performance, especially when capturing fast-paced subjects like children and families. I prefer using dual cards for added security, ensuring I always have a backup set of raw files.

Trusted retailers play a crucial role in acquiring quality gear. Websites like John Lewis, Wex Photo Video, MPB, Clifton Cameras, and Panamoz( these are imported brand new products & come with a great warranty but are consider grey imports) are my go-to sources for reliable equipment. Of course, Amazon is another reliable option for both new and used gear.

In summary, investing in a full frame camera, prioritizing fast memory cards, and shopping from trusted retailers are essential steps for beginner family photographers. With the right equipment in hand, I’m confident in capturing unforgettable moments and treasuring them for years to come.

If you feeling inspired to embark on your journey as a family photographer have a good idea of the gear you’ll need but unsure where to start next? Whether you’re grappling with camera settings, seeking composition tips, or craving personalized guidance to kickstart your photography career, I’m here to help.

As an experienced family photographer, I understand the challenges that come with starting out in this rewarding field. If you’re looking for tailored support and 1-2-1 mentoring to hone your skills and unleash your creative potential, get in touch. Together, we can customize a mentoring session designed to address your specific needs and goals, setting you on the path to success in family photography.